Is anyone going to see 'Dredd' this weekend? Scifi darling Karl Urban stars in the lead role. Urban is perhaps best known as Bones in the recent 'Star Trek' reboot and as Eomer in 'The Lord of the Rings' franchise. However, most scifi/fantasy knew him long before that as Caesar (and occasionally Cupid) in 'Xena: Warrior Princess.' Urban has also had supporting roles in several high profile films like 'The Bourne Supremacy' and 'Red.' Likewise he starred in some real stinkers too, like 'Doom,' Pathfinder,' and 'Ghost Ship.' Yes, 'Ghost Ship.' Don't laugh.
So despite my love for Karl Urban, I do not necessarily run to the theater when I see his name. Additionally, the 90's adaptation of 'Judge Dredd' with Sylvester Stallone in spandex pretty much turned me off to the franchise. The new 'Dredd's trailer didn't give me high hopes either. It's not good, not bad, just "eh." So needless to say, this one was about to skip out of my orbit until I saw the reviews. 'Dredd' has a whopping 78% on the tomato meter (
Rotten Tomatoes--subject to change). Check out Sean O'Connell's full review in the
Washington Post.
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| The many faces of Karl Urban. Umm...actually he always seems to be scowling. |
Now mind you, I do not always listen to the critics (despite being one). For example I really enjoyed 'Resident Evil: Retribution.' It was ridiculously fantastic and the best 'Resident Evil' I've seen in years. Perhaps the best one since the first film. I also enjoyed' Battle Los Angeles, even though it got terrible reviews. So reviews are not always accurate to my taste.
In all seriousness, I think that I may have underestimated 'Dredd.' I will try to correct this error this weekend and spend a little quality time with Mr. Urban, popcorn, soda, and my movie partner...my dad. But just in case, we're still going to the matinee.
I saw it last night! Very true to the comic book - gritty, violent, and bloody. (You will see people die in a way you've never seen before.) It's also very visual with a really unique style of slow-motion and brilliant colors. Didn't see it in 3D but I will when it hits DVD. It erased the awful Stallone flick from my mind!
ReplyDeleteUrban has proven to be a good actor, for me, is also an actor underestimated.
ReplyDeleteSome actors take a long time to become truly great; I think Urban is one of them. Hopefully I'll be seeing Dredd next week. Will let you know what I think.
ReplyDeleteSome actors seem to take a long time to become truly great; I think Urban is one of them. I did not know he was in Ghost Ship. Terrible film!
ReplyDeleteIf the have a non-3D version I'll consider watching that.
ReplyDeleteAlex-- I really enjoyed it. I thought it was great. Karl Urban is my fav! I did have to turn my head on a few scenes. It was so violent. But you're right it did effectively erase the bad Stallone flick from my mind.
ReplyDeleteNick-- I totally agree. Urban is very underrated. He's wonderful. I don't know why he isn't a household name.
Ellie-- Ha, yes. He was in 'Ghost Ship,' but I don't hold it against him. He's in so many great films.
DWei-- Yes, I'm the same way. I won't go see a movie in 3D. I hate 3D.
I will probably have to wait until it comes to DVD, but I will watch it. I'm hopeful that it is entertaining.
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